If attending a concert to hear your favorite singers perform live wasn’t enough already, knowing that attending concerts and festivals can increase your wellbeing should be reason enough!

Concerts are not only a chance to listen to the live versions of your favorite songs, but they are community events. Seeing the thousands of cell phone lights gleaming during a slow song or standing/sitting alongside fellow listeners gives you a sense of connection (Lauren Armao, Melodic Magazine).

Hearing a song that reminds you of high school or a nostalgic song that brings back some of your favorite or not so favorite memories helps you reflect in that moment and lets you come to terms with how you feel about that emotion now.

Thomas M. Beaudoin of Fordham University explains that “it’s an opportunity to revisit something inside of you and think about where you are with that [emotion] now. It’s almost like what you’d do in therapy.” I’m all for musical therapy!

Concerts can be some of the most freeing and emotional outlets alongside other people who love the music as much as you do. You can attend a concert alone, but technically you’re surrounded by hundreds or thousands of people who love the same music and artists that you do.

Research has shown that our brain treats money as a drug and when we can spend money on experiences rather than material things, we are more fulfilled (Armao). I can listen to songs over and over again, but it’s true, there’s something special about seeing the performance and watching the musicians play an instrument I would normally hear on a recording.

Hearing live music can boost your wellbeing, but all of those concerts you’re attending come at a cost. While you’re enjoying those live harmonies from your favorite band, remember you have to be able to support your musical habit. Attending a whole bunch of concerts by your favorite artists can be more expensive depending on who you’re seeing live.

Local festivals and concerts that are free or at a low cost can still have the same impact on your wellbeing. Not all of us have a fortune to fork over so local events can be just as good!

To me, music isn’t just the background music you play while studying for a test or what you play in the car. It should be experienced live. I’ve been lucky enough to see some of my favorite artists live and there’s nothing quite like the rush you get when you finally hear your favorite song played live for the first time.

You’re in the same room as your favorite artist and hundreds of other people experiencing what you’re experiencing at the same time. It’s one of the oldest forms of entertainment, but something that will continue to be sought after and anticipated by all who enjoy the simple adrenaline rush of hearing music played live.